What Prevents The Lasik Flap From Slipping?

Lasik flaps have gotten to be very secure and stable. Issues with lasik flaps are very unusual today thanks to the invention of laser-created lasik flaps. Rarely do we see lasik flaps that slip out of place. Let’s see why!

There is healing process for lasik. A very large amount of healing occurs within the first 24 hours follow lasik. We can even narrow down a lot of this to the first 4-6 hours after lasik. To create a lasik flap, a thin break is made on the surface of the cornea. Fortunately this break heals very rapidly (4-6 hours); note: this break leads to much of the scratchiness the first few hours. As this break heals over, the lasik flap starts to lock into place. It’s like putting some plastic wrap over the lasik flap.

But until this happens, and until this continues to strengthens beyond the first day, it is possible the lasik flap can slip out of place if rubbed and touched. The risk of this happening is greatest within the first day or two after lasik and dramatically decreases over time as things continue healing up. Instructions after lasik always state to avoid rubbing the eyes to avoid this risk.

So while things are pretty secure early after lasik, later on additional healing almost cements the lasik flap as a new addition to your eye. Doing it part to provide wonderful new vision.

Also check out When Does The Corneal Flap Heal After Lasik? on EyeMountain.com

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